Medicine Hat, Alberta (May 14, 2026) - The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce welcomed the launch of the City of Medicine Hat’s new open data portal, a practical step that aligns with the Chamber’s ongoing advocacy to reduce red tape, improve customer service, and create a more business-friendly regulatory environment.

The City’s portal is an online platform that provides public access to downloadable municipal datasets, including information related to transportation, infrastructure, and environmental data, at no cost and with fewer restrictions, helping residents and businesses access information more efficiently.

“This is the kind of tool that can lower friction for local businesses,” said Lisa Dressler, Executive Director, Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce. “When information is easy to find and easy to use, it supports better decisions, reduces time spent navigating processes, and strengthens confidence that our community is open for business.”

A preview of the open data portal was shared during the Chamber’s session: From Planning to Prosperity: City Insights on Development Infrastructure and Growth, a business roundtable designed to connect local businesses directly with City departments and provide updates on plans, progress, and process improvements.

The May 14 session included City updates and discussion topics relevant to business planning and investment, including land use and development updates, permitting status and process improvements, procurement, land strategy, economic development priorities, and a roundtable discussion on ongoing work-in-progress matters and industry questions.

The City noted that open data portals can reduce the need for staff to respond to information requests and empower residents and businesses to use data for their own decision-making and planning.

The City also described the portal as part of a broader commitment to “exceptional and efficient customer service,” and positioned the initiative as supporting transparency, innovation, and accountability.

“This open data portal demonstrates our commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration,” said Pat Bohan, Managing Director of Development and Infrastructure. “By making public municipal data accessible, we empower residents, businesses, and community partners to turn information into new services, applications, and economic activity.”

The Chamber’s active municipal policy, Creating a Business-Friendly Regulatory Environment, highlights that businesses can face burdensome, time-consuming processes and that a lack of clarity when accessing information and assistance can create frustration and delays.

The policy recommends improvements that focus on clearer processes and better access to information, including:

· improving permitting processes and online resources so applicants better understand approval timelines and requirements.

· implementing a continual process improvement plan supported by customer service feedback and performance metrics.

· ensuring a more coordinated, outcome-sensitive approach across departments to support development and reduce unnecessary barriers.

The session also included updates on process improvement plans and continuing to engage with the business community to ensure a consistent feedback loop where there are barriers to development and ways to improve.

“Open, accessible information is a foundation for predictable processes,” added Lisa Dressler. “This portal is not a complete solution on its own, but it is a meaningful step that supports the direction our policy calls for: more transparency, clearer expectations, and a customer-service mindset that makes it easier to invest and grow here.”

The City confirms the portal currently includes 47 downloadable datasets, ranging from public washroom information to water and sewer pipe datasets, and that this is the first iteration with more datasets to be added over time.

Businesses and residents can explore the portal here: https://opendata.medicinehat.ca.

Following the roundtable discussions, the Chamber of Commerce launched its first inaugural State of the Region address with key highlights from City of Medicine Hat Mayor, Linnsie Clark, Cypress County Mayor, Dan Hamilton, and Mayor Chris Czember from the Town of Redcliff. Each Mayor reaffirmed their commitment to working together on regional priorities and focused on the value of smart growth and economic development.

Learn more 

• Read the City announcement: “City launches open data portal” 
• Chamber policy: “Creating a Business-Friendly Regulatory Environment”

Please direct all media inquiries to:

Aaron Fleming

Chamber of Commerce President, 2025-2026

Phone: (403) 527-5214 ext. 225

The Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven, volunteer-led organization, proudly representing the interests of businesses in our region, and working diligently to stimulate a strengthened and vibrant economy through our connections, support and influence. For over 125 years, the Chamber has stood for promoting business, monitoring government and championing managed growth in the local economy. The Chamber represents close to 900 businesses in our region and is aligned with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC), which represents over 24,000 businesses, the Canadian Chambers of Commerce (CCC), which represents over 200,000 businesses and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), representing over 45 million companies in more than 170 countries. With the largest and most influential business organizations locally, provincially, federally and internationally, the Chamber network is the most unified, valued and influential business network in Canada and works together to shape policy and programs that will make a difference to businesses in our region.